PAYSON — An adult female driver sustained minor injuries after a high-speed pursuit that began in Chandler and ended in a crash on Feb. 26 near Payson on SR-260.
According to authorities, at 2:59 p.m. on Thursday, February 26, an Arizona Department of Public Safety (DPS) trooper observed a Chevy SUV traveling 90 mph northbound on State Route 101 in Chandler. The trooper attempted to stop the vehicle, but the adult female driver fled at a high rate of speed. Due to traffic conditions, the pursuit was terminated.
Sometime later, the SUV was spotted traveling northbound on State Route 87 toward Payson.
The vehicle was later located at a gas station in Payson, where authorities attempted another traffic stop. The SUV nearly yielded but fled again.
Officers with the Payson Police Department successfully deployed spike strips, disabling the vehicle’s tires. The female driver continued east on SR260, where the SUV was pursued by DPS troopers and deputies with the Gila County Sheriff’s Office.
At milepost 284, on SR260, the SUV attempted to pass a commercial vehicle, lost control, and crashed.
The adult female driver and sole occupant sustained minor injuries in the crash.
Travelers on SR260 waited for hours until the scene was cleared.
DPS spokesperson Bart Graves said, “The adult female driver is facing several criminal charges related to the pursuit.”
